In Loving Memory of Vanessa Garlington-Spencer

Vanessa Spencer was born on February 23, 1956, in Cleveland, Arkansas, to the late Benjamin F. Garlington Sr. and Anna L. Byers. She was the twelfth of thirteen children, each loved and cherished in her heart. Vanessa was preceded in death by her dear husband, Elmer Spencer Sr.; her parents, Benjamin F. Garlington Sr. and Anna L. Byers; her brothers: Rufus Calvin “RC” Garlington, Leon Garlington, Avon Garlington, Sherman Garlington, Thurman “Boat” Garlington, LaDell Garlington, and Benjamin Garlington; and her beloved sister, Mary Alice Wallace.

Vanessa accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age. After relocating to Kansas City, Kansas, she found her spiritual home at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where she rededicated her life and continued to grow in faith.

A proud graduate of Wonderview High School in 1974, Vanessa began her journey into adulthood, meeting the love of her life, Elmer Spencer Sr. Together, they relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where they raised their family. Vanessa worked various factory jobs in Kansas City before injury led her to retire earlier than expected. However, her nurturing spirit could not be dimmed. She found fulfillment in providing childcare services to family and friends, embracing the role of "Momma Ness" to many beyond her own children.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, Vanessa was called home after a long, courageous battle with breast cancer at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived—one that touched so many hearts and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Vanessa leaves behind her two sons, Carlos Garlington (Tracy) of Kansas City, and Elmer Spencer Jr. (Rochelle) of Texas; one daughter, Shaneka Spencer of Kansas City; two brothers, Truman Garlington (Marsetta) and Wayne Sheldon Garlington (Juliette), both of Kansas City; a sister-in-law, Toyce Garlington (the late Thurman Garlington) of Kansas City; two sisters, Dorthelia Daniels of Kansas City and Lillian Moore (Wilber) of Arkansas; five grandchildren: Kaylynn Garlington, Quincy Andrews Jr., Kiyah Garlington, E’Mari Spencer, and Rodney Taylor II; one great-grandchild, Leilani Littlejohn; a special friend, Robert Yates; and a lifelong friend of the family, Lester McKey. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, each of whom was touched by her love and kindness.